California State Capitol Museum
California

California State Capitol Museum

Available Activities
  • Photography

๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ† California’s Capitol Museum โ€” Restored 1874 State Capitol with free tours and legislative history

California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento is housed in the magnificently restored 1874 State Capitol building โ€” the working seat of California’s government and one of the finest Neoclassical civic buildings in the western United States. Free guided tours take visitors through restored historic chambers, including the Governor’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, and Secretary of State’s Office, all decorated with period furnishings recreating the building’s 1900s appearance. The surrounding 40-acre Capitol Park features 800+ tree species from around the world.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationSacramento, CA (downtown)
Entry FeeFree
Building1874 Neoclassical Capitol (restored)
ToursFree guided tours daily
Park40-acre Capitol Park, 800+ tree species

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the legislature in session during visits?

Yes โ€” the Capitol is a working government building. Visitors can observe legislative sessions from the public galleries. Museum exhibits are accessible year-round regardless of legislative schedule.

$a

About the State Capitol Museum

The California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento is housed in the magnificent 1874 neoclassical Capitol building. The museum features restored historic rooms with period furnishings from 1906, exhibits on California political history, and the 40-acre Capitol Park botanical garden with trees from every continent.

Things to Do

Free guided tours of the restored Governor’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, and legislative chambers. Capitol Park’s gardens feature 800+ tree species, a rose garden, Civil War memorial grove, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Open daily except major holidays.

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Visit CA State Capitol Museum

Free tours of the 1874 Capitol โ€” restored chambers, legislative history, 40-acre world tree garden.

๐Ÿ“ Plan Your Visit

Wildlife & Nature

California State Capitol Museum โ€” in Sacramento โ€” occupies the restored 1869 State Capitol with exhibits on California government, history, and the building’s neoclassical architecture. Capitol Park โ€” 40 acres surrounding the building โ€” has 800+ trees from around the world, including Civil War-era plantings, a rose garden, and a Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Red-tailed hawks nest in the park trees. Western gray squirrels forage among the oaks.

Nearby Attractions

Old Sacramento โ€” 5 blocks west โ€” has the California State Railroad Museum, wooden boardwalks, and Gold Rush-era buildings. Sutter’s Fort SHP โ€” 1 mile east โ€” has the 1839 settlement. Governor’s Mansion SHP โ€” 6 blocks east โ€” has a Victorian mansion. Crocker Art Museum โ€” the oldest art museum in the western US (1885).

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 12, 2026

Park Location